The Definition of Tolerance

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, the definition of tolerance is to show “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.”

Tolerance is all about having compassion and sensitivity regarding the viewpoints and perspectives of others.

Tolerance is sadly often in short supply, despite being much needed in today’s world.

What better time to think about and practice tolerance than during the holidays—a season that symbolizes love, yet is celebrated in so many divergent ways depending on your beliefs.

This year we have a unique opportunity to practice tolerance and enjoy cultural differences as two of the world’s faiths celebrate their holiday festivities on the same day; the first night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve both fall on December 24th!

Food: The Ultimate Holiday Theme That Unites Us

The one symbol that we share the most during this season of love is food!

No matter what our religion or beliefs, this is the time to gather around the table with friends and family and enjoy the warmth and nourishment of a shared meal.

In fact, the role of food during the holiday season goes well beyond just the eating part; we also spend countless hours together shopping for, cooking and talking about food before we ever sit down to break bread.

Of course, the type of food people eat around the globe varies greatly.

And even though many traditional holiday dishes still remain animal-based (versus whole food, plant-based), some seasonal eating traditions include foods like roasted chestnuts in Denmark and the UK, beetroot soup in Poland, rice and lentils in Brazil, and cranberry sauce in the US.

Other People’s Food Choices

During this season, it is inevitable that people will comment on your plant-based lifestyle because it is ‘different’ from traditional holiday fare.

By the same token, it might be tempting for you to judge others’ dietary choices, particularly if they are indulging in unhealthful eating habits.

Despite this, it is important (crucial!) that we practice tolerance by suspending judgment and accepting the eating preferences of others even when they do not match our own.

Having said that, it is fine to encourage others and discuss the benefits of following a whole food, plant-based diet. However, it is important not to expect that people will necessarily (or immediately!) follow suit.

We need to embrace people as they are and replace criticism with love and grace.

I invite all of us—in the spirit of this most beautiful season—to focus on what unites us rather than on what divides us.

Together let’s celebrate our spirituality and beliefs (whatever they may be) and enjoy gathering with family and friends around a table laden with delicious food.

And if you need some delicious plant-based recipes, download our Holiday Menu before heading to the grocery store!

Happy holidays to you and yours!

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Rosane Oliveira, DVM, PhD

Rosane Oliveira, DVM, PhD is Founding Director of UC Davis Integrative Medicine and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Health Sciences at the School of Medicine at the University of California Davis. Blending a life-long passion for food and nutrition with over 20 years of scientific experience in genetic research, Dr. Oliveira is devoted to educating people about how food and lifestyle choices can affect genetic expression–i.e. how genes are turned on and off and either cause disease or promote health. She is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has lived in the US since 2003.